Reference no: EM133668309

Manage project scope

Assessment Task 1

Questions

1. Provide answers to all of the questions below:
2. Identify and describe two documents that can be used to initiate projects.
3. Identify and describe two key components of a project scope management plan.
4. Describe two factors that can impact on a project scope.
5. Explain the purpose of a change control plan within a project scope management plan, and summarise the key processes that should be followed in order to control changes within a project.
6. Explain two methods that can be used to measure project outcomes and progress and provide example to illustrate each.
7. Describe two methods for segmenting and documenting a work break down structure (WBS).
8. Identify and describe two problem areas likely to be encountered in scope management.
9. Explain the concept of the project life cycle and the importance of scope management within this cycle.
10. Identify three project management tools and explain their use in project scope management.
11. Outline the key role and at least four responsibilities of a project manager when planning a project.

Assessment Task 2: Project Portfolio

Activities
Complete the following activities:

Carefully read the following:

This project requires you to determine and manage a project scope on two separate occasions. For each project scope, you must obtain project authorisation, develop a scope management plan and manage project scope changes.
You can do this for two real projects at your workplace, for two projects associated with a start-up business you are working on yourself or you can use the Simulation Pack provided.

If you use your own business or workplace, make sure it has policies and procedures that address project management (including project authorisation and change control procedures) and communication protocols already developed. Your projects should require at least one scope change each (see step 6 for more details). You should also have sufficient numerical information to monitor the impact of the scope changes to the timing, cost and quality constraints of the project. Speak to your assessor to get approval if you want to base this on your own business.

If you are basing this assessment on the case study business, read through the Simulation Pack in preparation for this assessment. All the information needed to complete this assessment is contained in the Simulation pack.
You will be collecting evidence for this unit in a Project Portfolio. The steps you need to take are outlined below. Before you begin, complete page 4 of your Project Portfolio. You must describe the organisation you are basing this assessment on and provide a short description of two projects for which you'll manage the scope.

For each project, write a project authorisation request.

Before you begin, make sure you are familiar with any policies, procedures, protocols and templates that address project management.
If you are basing this assessment on the case study, review Native Bush Spices Australia's project management policy and procedures, communication policy and procedures as well as the Project Authorisation Template.

You are required to write a Project authorisation request. As part of this request:
provide a broad overview of the project (so as to gain initial approval).
briefly describe the project goals and deliverables, as well as the benefits and impact on the organisation.
briefly describe the resources that will be required to conduct this project, including the proposed budget.
provide a high-level project schedule.
briefly describe the proposed project governance arrangements in accordance with the project management policy and procedure (i.e. what are the proposed/allowed project delegations and authorisations?).
request authorisation to proceed to the detailed planning phase of the project.

Draft an email to an appropriate senior manager to request authorisation for your project (assume that your written Project authorisation request is attached to the email).
Your email should introduce and summarise the contents of the written Project authorisation request and seek their feedback and approval to move forward with the project. In particular:
confirm that the details in the Project authorisation request are approved.
seek authorisation to utilise the listed resources.
confirm that the project delegations and authorisations are acceptable.

For each project, meet with stakeholders to determine, negotiate and agree on the project scope.

Assume that you have been provided with approval to proceed with the project as set out in your project authorisation request.
You are required to meet with at least two stakeholders for each project. If you are using the case study, assume you are meeting with the Operations Manager and CEO of Native Bush Spices Australia.
Prepare for the meeting by reading through steps 4 and 5 and making notes to guide your discussion.

Each meeting should take 20 minutes. This will either be attended in person by your assessor or they will attend online. If you are in the workplace, you may like to video record the session for your assessor to watch later (attach proof to Section 1 of your portfolio). Your assessor can provide you with more details at this step. Make sure you follow the instructions above and meet the timeframes allocated.
During the meeting, you will need to demonstrate effective communication and negotiation skills including:
speaking clearly and concisely
using non-verbal communication to assist with understanding
asking questions to identify required information
responding to questions as required
using active listening techniques to confirm understanding
being prepared for negotiation
facilitating agreement on outcomes
using problem solving skills to identify solutions.

Based on the outcomes of your meeting with the stakeholders, develop a detailed project scope management plan. Your plan should reflect what was discussed at the meeting and:
provide an introduction and background to the project, including business needs and drivers.
explain measurable project benefits.
outline the criteria for success for the project (outcomes and outputs).
describe at least one project assumption.
describe at least one factor on which the project is dependent.
describe at least one project constraint.
describe at least two project risks.
identify the project stakeholders,
develop and document the Work Breakdown Structure.
describe scope control management processes that will be followed (include procedures for changes to the project scope, such as a written change request - step 6 will require you to implement this).

Separate plans are required for each project.
If your business has its own Project scope template, use it (make sure you include all the requirements listed above). Otherwise, use the template provided in the Simulation Pack.
The text of the Project scope should be in grammatically correct English, written in an appropriate (polite, business-like) style.
If you are using the case study (Native Bush Spices Australia):
For the web-design project: to develop the work breakdown structure, you must research the typical steps involved with developing a website, assuming this work will be contracted out to website designers and content writers.
For the product range expansion project: to develop the work breakdown structure, you must research the typical steps involved with market research and establishing collaborative relationships, assuming that the Operations Manager of Native Bush Spices Australia will meet with potential organisations and choose the best partnership.

. Steps 6,7 and 8 form part of Section 3.
If you are basing this assessment on Native Bush Spices Australia, further information to complete the next steps is available in the Simulation Pack.
If you are basing this assessment on your own business or workplace, your projects should require at least one scope change each. You should have sufficient numerical information to monitor the impact of the scope changes to the timing, cost and quality constraints of the project.

For both projects, implement change procedures.

Write a change request for at least one change.
Separate change requests are required for each project.
If your business has its own Change request template, use it. Otherwise, use the template provided in the Simulation Pack.
The text of the Change request should be in grammatically correct English, written in an appropriate (polite, business-like) style.
Manage the scope changes.

Write a draft email to an appropriate senior manager to request authorisation for the change (assume that your written Change request is attached to the email).
Your email should:
introduce and summarise the contents of the change request.
explain the impact of the changes on the timing, cost and quality constraints on the project.
ask for their feedback and approval.
list any scope management issues you've experienced in the project so far (at least one).
recommend improvements for future projects (at least one).

Document scope changes

Assume that your requested changes have been approved.
If you are basing this assessment on the case study, assume that the Operations Manager has approved an increase in the budget to allow Visualweb to develop the website.